How much does camping cost at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Camping fees at Nichols Lake South Campground are $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Nichols Lake South Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Nichols Lake South Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Nichols Lake South Campground before I book?

Yes! Nichols Lake South Campground has 36 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Nichols Lake South Campground?

Nichols Lake South Campground is open May 09 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Yes, Nichols Lake South Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Cell phone service at Nichols Lake South Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Nichols Lake South Campground have?

Nichols Lake South Campground has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nichols Lake South Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Nichols Lake South Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Nichols Lake South Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Nichols Lake South Campground?

Fire policies at Nichols Lake South Campground: Don't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org/ for more information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.16

170 reviews

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

B-Report Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open May 9 - October...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

873 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open May 9 - October...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Nichols Lake South Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

Nichols Lake South Campground

P.O. Box 69, Manistee, MI 49660, USA

Nearby places

Baldwin (13.5 miles), White Cloud (13 miles), Woodland (~2 miles), Bitely (~2 miles), Brohman (~2 miles)

Weather at Nichols Lake South Campground

Current alerts(6)

All equipment must fit on the site. Vehicles should only park in developed areas.
An extra vehicle fee applies after the 2nd vehicle on single sites.
Any accepted senior passes must be entered for the discount at the time of booking for single sites only.
Check in time is 2:00pm and Check out time is 11:00am It is imperative that you are clear from the site at 11:00am on your check out day so the host can come prepare the site for the next event. Please don't be the group that makes the incoming group have to wait.

Best Time to Camp at Nichols Lake South Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for enjoying Nichols Lake’s 160 acres of water — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (around 70–85°F) with cool lakeside evenings. Water activities (swimming, boating, dock fishing) are at their peak, campsites are fully open with showers and potable water available, and trail/bike use is ideal. Weekends can be busy so book ahead; midweek stays feel more peaceful. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is best season: swimming, boating, fishing and peak visitor season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 09 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 9 - October 12 during peak season. Off-season reservations are unavailable.

About Nichols Lake South Campground

Nichols Lake South Campground sits on 160 acres of water in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Manistee, Michigan. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, this seasonal campground offers spacious, private sites with flush toilets, showers, and potable water. Campers fish, kayak, swim, hike, and bike the surrounding forest trails, with camp hosts on-site to maintain the grounds and assist visitors.

Nichols Lake South Campground offers traditional camping options including tent and RV sites. The campground is well-suited for families and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for enjoying Nichols Lake’s 160 acres of water — expect daytime highs typically in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (around 70–85°F) with cool lakeside evenings. Water activities (swimming, boating, dock fishing) are at their peak, campsites are fully open with showers and potable water available, and trail/bike use is ideal. Weekends can be busy so book ahead; midweek stays feel more peaceful. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation873 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe 160-acre Nichols Lake sits at 873 feet elevation, carved by ancient glaciers and surrounded by a mix of hardwood and conifer forests growing in Michigan's characteristic sandy soil. Accessible piers extend into the lake for fishing and boat launching, while a sandy swimming beach lines part of the shore. Wooded trails connect the campground to the broader forest. Gently rolling hills frame the lake, creating a classic northern Michigan glacial landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging; accommodations are limited to campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided data.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights allowed.

Groups

Group sites are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative data or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations are available at Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities include drinking water, fishing pier, boat ramp, and paths leading to the lake. Specific accessibility features for campsites are not detailed.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with concrete pads that accommodate RVs. 'Large sites, most well separated from each other' (Dan Heaton, 2023-09-24).

PrivacySites offer decent privacy with tree cover between them. 'Decent site privacy and shade' (Jaloney Caldwell, 2020-07-08).

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesOpt for sites on the outer loop for privacy, shade, and proximity to trails.

Best CampsitesSites on the outer loop provide better privacy according to campers. Sites 17 and 19 sit closest to the beach but get more foot traffic from boardwalk users, so they trade convenience for seclusion.

Need help booking Nichols Lake South Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Nichols Lake South Campground provides a host of amenities that cater to both comfort and outdoor recreation. The campground features 29 family sites on paved spurs, each equipped with a fire pit, picnic table, and easy lake access via a wood ramp and stairs. Accessible facilities include flush toilets, drinking water, and showers, though user reviews indicate that showers may occasionally be out of order. Potable water and a seasonal swimming area are highlights, although there are no lifeguards on duty. Firewood is available for purchase, though reviews suggest better deals at nearby street stands. Cell phone service is present but not extensively detailed.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Nichols Lake South Campground

Nichols Lake South Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, swimming, and wildlife observation. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes near the campground, providing hiking opportunities for all levels. Fishing is popular, with species like bass and northern pike available.

Hiking4.0/5

North Country National Scenic Trail passes through campground; hiking for all levels.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Quiet, nature-focused setting in national forest suggests low light and good skies.

Photography4.0/5Loons, lake, sandy beach and North Country Trail provide strong photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon't move firewood: To limit the spread of invasive tree-killing pests, firewood from outside the area is not permitted. Some states have quarantines and may confiscate your firewood. Please help protect our forests from invasive species by obtaining your firewood at or near your camping destination and burning it on-site. Visit dontmovefirewood.org/ for more information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not extensively detailed in the authoritative or user reviews, but users have not reported significant issues with waste management.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available but not extensively reviewed. There is no mention of specific providers or signal strength.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

170 reviews

Satisfactory

Nichols Lake South Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Nichols Lake South Campground is praised for its quiet, nature-focused atmosphere and well-maintained facilities. Common themes include spacious sites, clean restrooms, and good fishing opportunities. However, some complaints have been raised about noisy generators and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 170 reviews

What Campers Love

- Spacious and private sites - Excellent fishing and kayaking opportunities - Clean facilities and well-maintained grounds - Friendly and helpful camp hosts

Based on 170 reviews

Common Concerns

- Noise from generators disrupting the peaceful environment - Occasional maintenance issues with showers and restrooms - Reports of theft and lax management in recent years

Based on 170 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 17 and 19 are less private due to proximity to the boardwalk. Site 22 is noted for being wooded and close to the lake and bathrooms. 'Site 22 was really nice and wooded' (Sara K, 2021-08-22).

Based on 170 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Buy firewood from local stands for better value - Sites on the outer loop offer better privacy - Great for kayaking; bring your own equipment

Based on 170 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking being highlighted. Winter reviews focus on ice fishing. Fall is noted for its peaceful atmosphere and hiking on...

Based on 170 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Great little campground that is more nature-focused and relaxing' (Jim Lynch, 2021-05-25). - 'The lake is great to kayak and fish, caught some big bass!' (Tyler Anthony, 2022-08-08). - 'Quiet with...

Based on 170 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible paths and facilities are appreciated, but no detailed reviews from individuals with disabilities are available.

Based on 170 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mention pet-related experiences, but pets are allowed at the campground.

Based on 170 reviews

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Nichols Lake South Campground

$30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $30.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

Help.Huron.Manistee@AmericanLL.com

Go if

You want private, well-spaced sites on a sizable lake with swimming, boating, and helpful camp hosts.

Skip if

You need reliably open showers, quiet hours enforcement, or secure storage for valuables.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.2

(45)

Walkup Lake Campground

650 North Michigan Ave. Baldwin, MI 49304

Walkup Lake Campground offers rustic lakeside camping on seven sites in the Huron-Manistee National Forests near Baldwin. At $10 per night, it's a no-frills option with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The campground sits at 915 feet elevation along Walkup Lake's shore, where glacial history meets dense northern forest. Sites closer to the lake deliver quiet and views, while those near Cleveland Drive catch road noise.

Nichols Lake South Campground

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Quick Facts

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Current alerts(6)

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Common Concerns

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